Pete Alonso is preparing for his first season with the Baltimore Orioles in 2026.
The Baltimore Orioles made one of the biggest moves of the MLB offseason when they agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with Pete Alonso, bringing the 31-year-old power hitter to Camden Yards after seven seasons with the New York Mets.
Alonso’s signing instantly became the centerpiece of the Orioles’ offseason strategy and a clear message that the club intends to compete in the American League East.
Baltimore suffered a disappointing 2025 season, finishing last in the division and well out of playoff contention, but front office leadership has insisted this winter will look very different from recent winters.
Alonso’s arrival has boosted excitement throughout the organization and among Orioles fans, and the right-handed slugger himself has been vocal about his intentions now that he has joined a new team.
As the 2026 season approaches, Alonso outlined his goal for the upcoming year. “It’s not just this organization, but people in this city. They want it so bad. For me, I want to win a championship. I want to do whatever it takes,” he said (h/t Jacob Calvin Meyer of The Baltimore Sun).
The quote reflects Alonso’s belief not only in the Orioles’ roster but in the passionate fan base and the larger Baltimore community that has quickly embraced him.
Alonso’s commitment to winning aligns with Baltimore’s broader offseason approach. President of baseball operations Mike Elias and team ownership have signaled a willingness to be aggressive in free agency after years of rebuilding and conservative spending.
Landing Alonso is a major step toward that shift and could represent a turning point in the club’s competitive timeline. Other key additions, including outfielder Taylor Ward and right-hander Shane Baz, suggest the Orioles are not aiming for a simple bounce-back season but meaningful contention in 2026.
The move also reshapes the Orioles’ lineup in substantial ways. Alonso brings elite power to a middle of the order that already includes Gunnar Henderson and Samuel Basallo, giving Baltimore one of the more formidable offensive cores in baseball.
Off the field, Alonso’s focus on bringing a championship resonates with Orioles fans who have long waited for a World Series run.
For the organization, the challenge now is to build around Alonso and ensure that pitching depth and defensive support match the expectations set by his arrival. As for Alonso and a fan base eager for sustained success, the goal for 2026 remains unchanged: win a championship.